Recent findings indicate that a significant number of UK drivers might be entitled to substantial compensation, having been overcharged when buying new cars. This overcharging issue, while widely reported, is not the only basis for claims.

Get My Claim has identified thousands of instances where finance lenders did not conduct necessary eligibility checks, potentially qualifying many motorists for refunds.

Charles Thompson, director at Get My Claim, commented: “The issue of ‘inflated prices’ is well documented, however, research suggests that a high number of motorists were sold a finance deal that they couldn’t actually afford meaning they too could be entitled compensation.”

He further emphasized, “Our mission at Get My Claim is to ensure that every motorist receives fair treatment and we’re committed to helping drivers reclaim what’s rightfully theirs.”

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is currently investigating whether practices like hire purchase or personal contract purchase have resulted in excessive interest charges.

To check your eligibility for a refund, visit Get My Claim.

A police officer has been sacked after sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl, whilst he was on duty.

PC Dean Dempster (35), who was a response officer based at Oldham, was dismissed from the police service without notice today, following an accelerated misconduct hearing.

He previously pleaded guilty in February to sexually assaulting a child under 13.

Chief constable Stephen Watson said Dempster’s actions were “morally reprehensible” and added him to the College of Policing Barred List.

Police will now write to the deputy mayor of Greater Manchester to appeal for Dempster to lose his right to a police pension.

Presiding over today’s hearing, CC Watson found PC Dempster’s conduct amounted to gross misconduct, saying: “This sexual assault occurred whilst the officer was on duty and where the victim was totally trusting and reliant on him performing his duties professionally, compassionately and with her welfare uppermost in his thoughts.

“It is this most egregious breach of trust of an innocent young child that is most upsetting aspect of this case and something that clearly amounts to an aggravating factor.

“I consider this case to be among the most distressing ever presented to me such is the despicable betrayal of all that is inherent in being a decent police officer.

“I have no hesitation whatsoever in dismissing PC Dempster from the service with immediate effect.”

Convicted

Dempster sexually assaulted a young girl while responding to an incident in December 2023.

Police received a complaint later that day and he was arrested.

He was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court in February. He has remained suspended since being charged on December 31, 2023.

Detective chief superintendent Mike Allen said: “Dean Dempster is not a police officer, he’s a child sex offender who has no right to be in police uniform or in a position to serve the public.

“We have no time for people like Dempster who should not be in GMP and does not represent us.

“This is why we’re increasingly using accelerated misconduct hearings to root out and boot out officers who are unfit to serve in our uniform, and this work will continue while ever they remain.”

Dempster is due to be sentenced at a future date.

Editorial credit: Alan Fraser Images / Shutterstock.com